Although the turnout was lower than expected, the public got its first chance to ask questions and make comments about a proposed new area code in western Kentucky – 364 – at the Hopkinsville Community College auditorium last Wednesday evening.

“We had six people show up, and three of those were news media,” said PSC Communications Director Andrew Melnykovych, who went on to say that the one person who spoke wanted a split instead of an overlay because she didn’t want to deal with 10-digit calls.

The PSC projects that the 270 area code will run out of available numbers by the first quarter of 2014, so the new area code – 364 – would have to be implemented by late 2013, said Melnykovych. They are considering two options for creating a new area code.

With the first option, telecommunications providers are recommending an overlay, which would create a second area code in the same territory now covered by the 270 area code. An overlay would allow for retention of all current 270 members but would require 10-digit dialing for local calls.

Another option that the PSC is considering is a split, which would assign the 364 area code to part of the current 270 area code territory. A split would keep seven-digit dialing for local calls but would require both wireless and landline customers within half of the current area code territory to change their phone numbers, PSC officials said.

For the rest of this story, see this week's issue of The Cadiz Record or subscribe to our e-Edition by calling 270-522-6605.